Originally Posted by Or
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Thanks, I haven't tried to drop the pan yet. Last drain and fill after it started to act up I did add a bottle of Lubegard Red. It did seem to help for a few thousand miles. Now it's worse than it's ever been. Lazy shifts and flares into 4th. It is FWD.
My first instinct is that there's just a few hundred dollars of parts there, and a few afternoons with the tool kit. If you are opposed to DIY maintenance, high-mileage cars are forever going to be problematic for you. And this is a very easy one for DIY work, honestly.
The 2006 Sienna has the 3mz-fe engine and the U151E transmission. A more bullet-proof powertrain is hard to find. We have 300k now on one and it runs like new, given proper maintenance. I have to wonder if a) the transmission fill is being checked properly, as low fluid can cause the problem. The transmission needs to be checked while running. Does this one have the dipstick or is it after the deletion? Also, does it have an aftermarket filter installed? These have caused this problem, also. On the lifter tick - these engines can make some noise. I do periodic lube system flushes to keep it quiet, and I use Mobil 1 10w-30HM. I doubt it really needs valve adjustment, though I am certain you can find a mechanic who will listen to it and tell you that, and happily take your money.
The spark plugs in the engine are *conservatively* rated at 120k I believe. And they can go longer. I would put them off until 150k and do the valve cover gaskets at the same time. There is no need to change plugs right now. I did not see any mention of the timing belt being done, which is more important north of 100k.
It does have a dipstick. For my drain and fills I've been draining cold and measuring the fluid that comes out, refilling with the same amount. Then I drive it for 30+ minutes, mixed highway and city to get it up to temp. Pull in the garage leave it in running in park when checking it. It's right below the upper hot mark. I've checked it in between drains too, always the same reading.
Also a few comments about it being a MN vehicle. No rust yet.
I do spray the under body and in the doors etc with Fluid Film fall and spring.